System and method for managing service and non-service related activities associated with a waste collection, disposal and/or recycling vehicle

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for using video/still images captured by continuously recording optical sensors mounted on waste collection vehicles used in the waste collection, disposal and recycling industry for operational and customer service related purposes. Optical sensors are integrated into the in-cab monitor as well as the onboard computer, digital video recorder and other external devices.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, and priority benefit, of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/615,360, filed Jan. 9, 2018,the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to managing service andnon-service related activities associated with a waste collection,disposal or recycling vehicle.

Description of the Related Art

Waste service vehicles (as well as waste container delivery vehicles)used in the waste collection, disposal and recycling industry often haveon-board computers, location devices and interior and exterior safetyand non-safety related cameras installed on the exterior and interiorthereof. These systems provide field managers with limited data relatedto the waste service vehicle, location of the waste service vehicle,waste service confirmation, customer service issues, service routingissues, customer site information and safety issues and concerns.

Commercial, Residential, Industrial (roll-off services) and ContainerDelivery waste service providers typically have assigned waste serviceroutes for management of municipal solid waste (MSW, waste, trash ortraditional garbage), recycling (residential curbside source separatedor single stream) organics (source separated residential green waste andsource separated residential food waste and commercial food waste) andcommercial recycling (source separated dry waste including cardboard,metals, polymers, paper, other fibers, glass, woods and other inerts,etc.) for each of the waste service provider customers whether thecustomers are in a competitive subscription open market pursuant to aservice contract/agreement or within an exclusive or non-exclusivemunicipal franchise system. On occasion, waste services may be providedon an ad-hoc basis resulting from On-Call waste services or instanceswhere services are required to be provided off-route because of amissed-pickup or emergency where the customer requires immediateservice, etc.

Improvements in this field of technology are desired.

SUMMARY

A system for managing waste service activities and nonservice activitiesoutside of the waste servicing collection vehicle is provided which caninclude one or more of: a waste vehicle equipped with an onboard boardcomputer (OBC) and digital video recorder (DVR); a waste vehicleequipped with one or more optical sensors; triangulation of customerlocation for commercial, residential and industrial collections using anOBC linked to GPS, on-board DVR linked to GPS and other off-the-shelfmapping geo-coding applications to establish latitude/longitude for eachcustomer container, bin, cart and box; one or more optical sensorsconfigured to capture continuous video recordings from the time thewaste collection truck driver commences the DOT pre-trip inspection atthe facility location until the collection waste truck driver returns tothe facility location and performs the DOT post-trip inspection; one ormore optical sensors configured to the OBC, DVR and back office hardwareand software system (“System”); one or more optical sensors that, whileconfigured to the OBC, DVR & System, are likewise configured to a signalor signals emanating from electronic or mechanical device on the truckto include, but not limited to proximity switches, limit switches,mechanical sensors, electronic control module (ECM), programmable logiccomputer (PLC), arms, hoppers and/or blades and such other vehicledevices (hereinafter referred to as “Devices”); one or more opticalsensors that, while configured to the OBC, DVR & System, are likewiseconfigured to vehicle movement including acceleration, deceleration,g-force, stopping and starting (hereinafter referred to as “VehicleMovement”); one or more optical sensors that, while configured to theOBC, DVR & System, are likewise configured to a driver initiatedtriggering event (hereinafter referred to as “Driver Initiated Event”);one or more optical sensors that, while configured to the OBC, DVR &System, are likewise configured to an external or outside of the vehicleinitiated triggering event (hereinafter referred to as “ExternalInitiated Event”); and one or more of Devices, Vehicle Movement, DriverInitiated Events, and External Initiated Events (hereinafter referred toas (“Triggering Events”) that are configured to the OBC and DVR with theTriggering Events causing one or more images or video segments to becaptured on the continuous video recording (“Chapters”) resulting in aStill Image or up to 60 second Video Clip assigned to one or moreOptical Sensors, and wherein such Chapters are configured to bedisplayed on a Portal for review and are available in sequential orderbased on Date, Time and Truck ID.

A method of linking Company and Customer information including Customercontainer/bin/cart/box location to Chapters is also provided which caninclude one or more of: each of the Company information including, butnot limited to, Business Unit/Site, Truck ID, Company Code and Route IDare downloaded into the OBC; each of the Customer locations includinglocations of the container/bin/cart/box are assigned alatitude/longitude and downloaded into the OBC; the OBC containsCustomer information including, but not limited to Customer ID, Customername, Customer address, Customer service levels, Franchise name/OpenMarket with the Customer information likewise link to the Customerlocation; the OBC likewise contains service requirements assigned to theCustomer and waste collection municipal franchise system; and resultingChapters created from the continuous video recording through TriggeringEvents are linked/connected to the Company and Customer with eachChapter containing Customer Name, Customer Address, Service Level,Sub-Line of Business, Route ID, Customer Account Number, FranchiseName/Open Market, Service Time and Service Date.

A method of viewing Company information, Customer information andChapter developed from Triggering Events through the Optical Sensor(s)stored on the OBC and DVR within an Event to Review Portal or Display isalso provided which can include one or more of: a visual display of theStill Image and/or up to 60-second Video Clip loaded into Events toReview Portal viewable by Use Case and then Business Unit and Truck ID;the visual display of the Still Image and/or up to 60-second Video Clipwith Customer Name, Customer Address, Service Level, Sub-Line ofBusiness, Route ID, Customer Account Number, Franchise Name/Open Market,Service Time and Service Date below the Still Image and/or Video Clip;the ability for the end-user to select an Image aligned to a Use-Caseresulting in a red-box highlighting the Image; the ability for theend-user to send the Image via web-address, email and/or text to theUser's various departments (e.g. Customer Service, Billing, Operations,etc.) and to the Customer; and the ability for the end-user to Submitthe highlighted image to an Advance Report module for use by theCompany.

A method for reviewing Use Cases resulting from Chapters and such otherwaste service activities and nonservice activities outside of the wasteservicing collection vehicle is also provided which can include one ormore of: selecting Use-Cases from the Events to Review portal;determining if Images meet the criteria under each of the Use-Cases; andsubmitting the selected Chapter for further review within AdvancedReports.

A method for viewing Advanced Reports and such other Reports resultingfrom Images from Triggering Events being Submitted from the Events toReview Portal is also provided which can include one or more of: aseries of selected Images by the end-user from the Events to ReviewPortal images being selected; selected Images being available forfurther review in the Advanced Reporting screen; selected Images in theAdvanced Reporting screen being sent to Customer Service, Billing andOperations; and selected Images in the Advanced Reporting screen beingsent to Customers via US Mail, web-address, email and/or text.

A system is also provided for managing service activities performed by awaste service vehicle, wherein the system can include: an optical sensordisposed on-board the waste service vehicle and configured to capture acontinuous video recording of an area outside of the cab of the wasteservice vehicle, wherein the continuous video recording is capturedduring the entirety of a service operations period for the waste servicevehicle; a recording device disposed on-board the waste servicingvehicle and configured to store the continuous video recording from theoptical sensor; a computing device disposed on-board the waste servicevehicle and configured to identify a physical location of a wasteservice customer; and a central computing device that is not on-boardthe waste service vehicle and is operatively linked to the opticalsensor, recording device and computing device; wherein, upon theoccurrence of a pre-defined triggering event, the central computingdevice is configured to capture a chapter from the continuous videorecording, and the central computing device is configured to display thechapter on an electronic viewing portal in association with a visualindication of the physical location of the waste service customer andone or more of date, time, and an identification number for the wasteservice vehicle. In certain aspects, the pre-defined triggering eventcomprises one or more of: signal or signals emanating from an electronicor mechanical device on the waste service vehicle, wherein theelectronic or mechanical device is one or more of a proximity switch, alimit switch, a mechanical sensor, an electronic control module, aprogrammable logic computer, an arm, a hopper, a blade or a wasteservice vehicle device; a movement of the waste service vehicle, whereinthe movement comprises acceleration, deceleration, g-force, stopping orstarting; a driver initiated triggering event; and a triggering eventthat is initiated external to or outside of the vehicle. In certainaspects, the service operations period for the waste service vehiclebegins when a driver commences an inspection of the vehicle at afacility location prior to performing one or more service activities,and ends when the driver performs an inspection of the waste servicevehicle after performing the one or more service activities. In certainaspects, the step of identifying a physical location of a waste servicecustomer during the service operations period comprises identifying alocation for one or more of commercial, residential or industrialcollections using a GPS linked to the onboard computer and to theon-board recording device to establish latitude and/or longitude for oneor more customer waste containers. In certain aspects, the chapter thatis captured from the continuous video recording comprises one or more ofa still image or a video clip of 60 seconds or less. In certain aspects,the recording device on-board the waste servicing vehicle comprises adigital video recorder. In certain aspects, the on-board computer isconfigured to: store downloaded waste service company informationcomprising one or more of a waste site, a business unit, a truckidentification number, a company code and a route identification number;store downloaded customer location information comprisinglatitude/longitude for one or more customer locations includinglocations of the waste container; and store downloaded customeridentifying information comprising one or more of a customeridentification number, a customer name, a customer address, one or morecustomer service levels, a franchise name, and a service requirementassigned to the customer and to a waste collection municipal franchisesystem; and the central computing device is configured to: link thecustomer identifying information to the customer location information,and link the chapters from the continuous video recording to one or moreof the waste service company information, the customer identifyinginformation, and the customer location information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter can beobtained when the following detailed description is considered inconjunction with the drawings and figures herein, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an example of optical camera placement on a waste servicevehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presentlydisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is an example of an onboard computer and DVR configured tocapture continuous video feeds from truck mounted optical sensors andcapture service related and non-service related activity outside of thewaste service vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is an example of a method for using spatial (GPS) data totriangulate information provided by a driver's service confirmation onan onboard computer, truck's GPS enabled DVR, and geocoding of serviceaddress using traditional mapping software in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is an example of a process for transmitting optical sensor videorecordings from a waste service vehicle to a Cloud and having discreetChapters or images available for review associated with Use Cases byauditors, operations, customer service or other end-users in accordancewith illustrative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 6 is an example of a listing of Source Data for the Event to Reviewdisplay for a user in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresently disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 7-9 are examples of screens where a variety of pre-defined UseCases by Line of Business (Commercial, Residential and Industrial) canbe displayed for a user in accordance with illustrative embodiments ofthe presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Overloaded Container” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 11 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Open Lid” in accordance with an illustrative embodimentof the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial PDA” in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Service Level Audit” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 14 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Damaged Containers” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 15 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Franchise Requirements” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 16 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Proactive Commercial Customer Notifications” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 17 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Proactive Commercial Driver/Ops Notifications” in accordance withan illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 18 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Contamination of Recycling and Organics” in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 19 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Open-Market Sales Opportunity” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 20 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Franchise Infringement (Poaching)” in accordance withan illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 21 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Ancillary Fee Audit” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 22 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Dangerous Stops” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 23 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Property Damage” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 24 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “HOC-Haul or Call (Container Unserviceable)” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 25 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Service Confirmation-Driver Initiated” in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 26 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Bin Delivery-New Customer” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 27 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Commercial Bin Delivery-Existing Customer” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 28 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Overloaded Container” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 29 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential PDA” in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 30 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Service Level Audit” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 31 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Open Lid” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 32 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Damaged Containers” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 33 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Franchise Requirements” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 34 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Extra Bags-Extra Service” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 35 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Proactive Customer Notification” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 36 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Proactive Residential Driver/Ops Notifications” in accordance withan illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 37 is an example of a screens where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Service Confirmation-Driver Initiated” in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 38 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential NOT-OUT-Driver Initiated” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 39 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Container Delivery-New Customer” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 40 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Container Delivery-Existing Customer” in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 41 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Bulky Collection (Flatbeds & Rear Loaders)” inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 42 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Contamination of Single Stream Recycling and Organics”in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 43 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Ancillary Fee Audit” in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 44 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Dangerous Stops” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 45 is an example of a screen where a Chapter (still image/video orimage) is displayed on a monitor for an end-user to review under the UseCase “Residential Property Damage” in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 46 is an example of a report screen with the notation for eachChapter, “Missing Picture”, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 47 is an example of a report screen within an Events to Reviewportal which provides a process to monitor unavailable images (video andstill) under the Use Case “No Image-Heath Assessment and Real-TimeMonitoring of Cameras” in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 48 illustrates a flowchart-decision process for reviewing Chapterswithin an Events to Review portal in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 49-55 illustrate examples of Advance Reports in accordance withillustrative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 56 illustrates an example of a method of managing service andnon-service related activities associated with a waste collection,disposal and/or recycling vehicle including continuous monitoring andrecording of a vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe presently disclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 57 illustrates various examples of use case bundles in accordancewith illustrative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

While the presently disclosed subject matter will be described inconnection with the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that itis not intended to limit the presently disclosed subject matter to thatembodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit andthe scope of the presently disclosed subject matter as defined by theappended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to systems andmethods for using video/still images captured by one or morecontinuously recording optical sensors mounted on waste collectionvehicles used in the waste collection, disposal and recycling industryfor operational and customer service related purposes. Optical sensorscan be integrated into the in-cab monitor as well as the onboardcomputer, digital video recorder and other external devices. In certainillustrative embodiments, it is desired to virtually connect (inreal-time) the waste service provider to the waste service vehicle andultimately to the waste service customer being serviced for managementof waste collection, disposal and recycling in immediate real-time or ata date in the future. The disclosed system is directed to overcoming theissues, problems and opportunities described herein and/or other issuesand problems of the prior art.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system is disclosed for managingsome or all service related and nonservice related activities outside ofthe waste servicing vehicle. The system has a location device configuredto determine the location of the service vehicle always while theservice vehicle is inactive, in motion and operating and performingservice related and nonservice related activities. The service vehiclehas optical sensors and such other sensors installed throughout theservice vehicle including, but not limited to, high definition cameras,monitors and such other sensors mounted to the front (interior andexterior of the cab), exterior right side, exterior left side, exteriorrear and exterior/interior hopper area of the service vehicle. Opticalsensors and other sensors are continuously recording all activities fromeach of the optical sensors with the images and data being stored on anonboard computer and recording device (such as a digital video recorder)and being transmitted and stored remotely away from the waste servicevehicle. The onboard computer and recording device are configured todetect motion, g-force, speed, vehicle deceleration, distance fromassigned points within a service area and engagement of the servicevehicle equipment including service arms resulting in container and binlifts, engagement of other vehicle mechanical devices and all such otherservices being performed by the service vehicle. Additionally, theonboard computer and recording device are configured to detect signalsfrom external devices.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the onboard computer and recordingdevice are configured to create notations, cyphers, codes, or chapters(hereinafter referred to as “Chapter(s)”) resulting from one or moreoptical sensors, while configured to the Onboard Computer (OBC), DigitalVideo Recorder (DVR) & User's remote back-office hardware and software(System), and are likewise configured to receive a signal or signalsemanating from electronic or mechanical devices on the waste collectiontruck including but not limited to:

(a) proximity switches;

(b) limit switches;

(c) electronic control module (ECM);

(d) programmable logic computer (PLC);

(e) vehicle arms, hoppers and blades; and/or

(f) such other vehicle devices (hereinafter referred to as “Devices”).

In certain illustrative embodiments, the optical sensor takes the videosand sends to the DVR and OBC. The OBC and DVR are configured in such away that Triggering Events create Chapters (Videos and Still Images),which are stored on a back office system and made available for viewthrough Advanced Reports and other Reports in a viewing portal.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the onboard computer and recordingdevice are configured to create Chapters resulting from one or moreoptical sensors, while configured to the OBC, DVR & System, and arelikewise configured to detect vehicle movement including but not limitedto:

(a) waste collection vehicle acceleration;

(b) waste collection vehicle deceleration;

(c) measuring g-force; and

(d) stopping and starting of the waste collection vehicle (hereinafterreferred to as “Vehicle Movement”).

In certain illustrative embodiments, the onboard computer and recordingdevice are configured to create Chapters resulting from one or moreoptical sensors, while configured to the OBC, DVR & System, and arelikewise configured to detect a waste collection vehicle driverinitiated event (hereinafter referred to as “Driver Initiated Event”).

In certain illustrative embodiments, the onboard computer and recordingdevice are configured to create Chapters resulting from one or moreoptical sensors, while configured to the OBC, DVR & System, and arelikewise configured to detect an external or outside of the wastecollection vehicle initiated event (hereinafter referred to as “ExternalInitiated Event”).

In certain illustrative embodiments, one or more Devices, VehicleMovements, Driver Initiated Events and External Initiated Event(hereinafter collectively referred to as “Triggering Events”) areconfigured to the OBC and DVR with Triggering Events causing Chapters tobe captured on the continuous video recording resulting in a Still Imageor up to 60-second Video Clip assigned to one or more Optical Sensors.

Triggering Events resulting in Chapters on the continuous optical sensorrecordings may be stored on an onboard vehicle computer and/or digitalvideo recorder and transmitted to remote storage device(s).

The Chapters on the continuous optical sensor recordings and such othersensors are configured to provide immediate and/or passive Still Imagesand immediate and/or passive limited Video-Clip images for remoteviewing and auditing for all service related and nonservice relatedactivities from the waste service vehicles.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the most efficient and optimalmethod for providing waste services is through routed waste collectionoptimizing route density and service productivity. Other efficienciesand productivity are gained, service costs are reduced, optimal wasteservices are provided and waste service company margins are improvedwhen waste service customer are managed pursuant to service expectationsdesignated by the waste service provider and/or the municipal franchisesystem. These service expectations include, but are not limited to:

(a) containerized waste and ensuring waste is below the lid of thecontainer/bin,

(b) ensuring waste container lids are closed to prevent collection ofprecipitation within in the waste container/bin,

(c) ensuring containers/bins are accessible at the time of service andare not blocked, locked, enclosed or otherwise unavailable for service,

(d) ensuring the containers and bins are positioned correctly to ensureoptimal and safe servicing,

(e) ensuring multiple containers/bins at a customer location areadequately separated to allow semi-automated and automated waste servicevehicles optimal and safe access to each container/bin,

(f) ensuring damaged containers/bins are identified and swapped,repaired and/or removed, and

(g) ensuring customers adhere to requirements regarding recycling andabate contaminating recycling containers/bins with prohibited wasteand/or non-recycling materials.

Other efficiencies and productivity are gained, service costs arereduced, optimal waste services are provided and waste service companymargins are improved when waste service companies effectively manage andservice their service routes, service stops and Customers. Effectivelyservicing and managing routes, stops and Customers can include, but isnot limited to:

(a) performing service level audits to ensure Customers are beingcharged correctly for the container size, quantity and frequency ofservice,

(b) performing ancillary fee audits to ensure Customers are beingcharged correctly for requested and franchise services in addition totraditional waste collection services, which may include but is notlimited to backyard service, enclosures, push-pull services, valetservices, locks, etc.,

(c) proactively notifying Customers of service related issues including,but not limited to, overloaded containers/bins, open lids, blockedcontainers/bins, inaccessible containers/bins, litter on the ground,waste bags and collection items outside the container/bin, prohibiteditems in the containers/bins, etc.,

(d) ensuring sites and service addresses receiving waste services are infact Customers of the waste service company,

(e) providing immediate service confirmation to include, but not limitedto, the waste service company's Customer Service department, the wasteservice company's District/Site Operations, the waste service company'sDispatch Center and the waste service company's Customer via US Mail,email, text, wed-address and such other communications efforts,

(f) ensuring the waste service company is achieving regulatory andmunicipal franchise requirements regarding containers/bins including,but not limited to, waste service company and/or municipal signage,stickering, placement, logos, size notation, phone numbers andbin/container condition, etc.,

(g) performing site audits to ensure competitors are not violatingfranchise requirements/encroaching within the franchise for exclusivewaste service collection, disposal and recycling,

(h) auditing hard to service, dangerous stops and claims of propertydamage at Customer service locations,

(i) immediately notifying and providing visual evidence of acontainer/bin not being out (Not-Outs) to include, but not limited to,the waste service company's Customer Service department, the wasteservice company's District/Site Operations, the waste service company'sDispatch Center and the waste service company's Customer via US Mail,email, text, web-address and such other communications efforts,

(j) providing immediate or passive visual evidence of a container/binbeing delivered, repaired, swapped and/or removed to include, but notlimited to, the waste service company's Customer Service department, thewaste service company's District/Site Operations, the waste servicecompany's Dispatch Center and the waste service company's Customer viaUS Mail, email, text, web-address and such other communications efforts,

(k) documenting and providing visual evidence of Bulky Waste pickups toinclude, but not limited to, the waste service company's CustomerService department, the waste service company's District/SiteOperations, the waste service company's Dispatch Center and the wasteservice company's Customer via US Mail, email, text, web-address andsuch other communications efforts, and

(l) providing proactive notification to waste service company driversand operations related to service failure to include, but not limitedto, missed-pickup, litter, container misalignment/carts askew, cartstipped over and property damage, etc.

In certain illustrative embodiments, truck mounted cameras can be usedto capture video, still images and/or monitoring from a monitor displayinside the waste service vehicle. FIG. 1 is a diagram of typical cameraplacement on waste service vehicles to include (without limitation)Front Load Commercial, Rear Load Commercial, Rear Load Residential, SideLoad Residential, Front Load Residential, Roll-Off and Residential andCommercial Container Delivery.

For example, in certain illustrative embodiments, OBCs and DVRs areinstalled in the waste service vehicle with the OBC and DVR configuredto detect vehicle location at all times, motion, g-force, speed, vehicledeceleration, distance from assigned points within a service area andengagement of the service vehicle equipment including service armsresulting in container and bin lifts, engagement of other vehiclemechanical devices and all such other services being performed by theservice vehicle.

In FIG. 2, the OBC and DVR are configured to capture continuous videofeeds from each of the truck mounted optical sensors and furtherdesigned to capture all service related and non-service related activityoutside of the waste service vehicle. The DVR can be installed in theservice vehicle. The OBCs can be continuous recording. All servicerelated and non-service related activities can be captured. Images arestored on the OBC, DVR and in the Cloud via cellular and/or otherwireless transmissions for remote storage and viewing. Images areavailable for review in immediate real-time or passive review later byan end-user.

For example, in certain illustrative embodiments, continuous video feedsfrom each of the optical sensor may be used to review certain servicerelated and non-service related activities. Certain predefinedTriggering Events can result in a Chapter (defined hereinabove) withinthe continuous optical sensor recordings.

In certain illustrative embodiments, waste service vehicle and/oroptical sensor data can be linked (i) to a specific customer (andassociated customer data such as account number, service address,service level, etc.) and/or (ii) to route/location/destination specificinformation. For example, with respect to customer linking, serviceconfirmations can be collected at a point of service. With respect toroute event linking, a service can be reviewed for the purposes ofdetermining contamination with the recycling stream by capturingvideo/camera images from the hopper camera. The presently disclosedsystem and method can connect one, more than one or every service andnon-service related event to an actual customer or event on the wasteservice route. This step can be performed manually by a human operator,or it can be an automated process.

As referenced in FIG. 3, in certain illustrative embodiments, the methodcan start with using spatial (GPS) data to triangulate the informationprovided by the driver's service confirmation on the OBC, truck's GPSenabled DVR, and geocoding of service address using traditional mappingsoftware (e.g. Google™ maps, parcel data analysis, reverse geo-coding,reverse address look-up, etc.). Additional methods can be utilized forcustomer and container identification and recognition.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the presently disclosed systems andmethods provide functionality for end-user and such other user designeesto utilize video and still images from one or more vehicle cameras foroperational purposes relating to servicing and managing waste collectioncustomers as well as non-service related activities.

For example, multiple user vehicle mounted optical sensors can be usedto capture video and still images that are prompted by specific vehiclemovement and actions (e.g., movement of the vehicle or movement of themechanical arm of the truck and engagement of the hopper) and/orprompted by manual manipulation by the driver resulting in the opticalsensor(s) capturing specific footage related to customer services anduser defined “Use Cases” (again, as further described below).

Also, multiple user vehicle mounted optical sensors can be used tocapture video and still images that link videos and still imagesassociated with user's latitude/longitude with customers' containers andbin location and latitude/longitude resulting from user's definedtriggering event with user customer information being matched orverified against videos and still images generated through digital videorecording.

For example, in certain illustrative embodiments, waste vehicle opticalsensors and video recordings and still images are associated withspecific user-defined scenarios or “Use Cases” (e.g., overloaded wastecontainers, contamination of waste containers, waste containermaintenance, open lids, identifying waste collection infringement with amunicipal franchise system, etc.). Use Cases are further defined ingreater detail below. However, in certain illustrative embodiments, therecordings can be indifferent as to the Use Cases and are configured tobe used for any one or all user-defined Use Cases and futureuser-defined Use Cases.

FIG. 4 demonstrates a process for transmitting optical sensor videorecordings from the waste service vehicle to the Cloud and havingdiscreet Chapters or images available for review associated with UseCases by auditors, operations, customer service or other end-users. Uponreviewing designated Chapters in the form of still images and videoclips, end-users may forward the findings to User's Billing, Operations,Customer Service and/or the Customer. Optical Sensor recordings can bestored on the DVR and transmitted to the Cloud. Auditors, Operations andothers can review Chapters within an optical sensor recording associatedwith a designated Use Case, and the findings are sent on to CustomerService, Billing and the Customer.

FIG. 5 includes sample screenshots for a computer program/softwareproduct where the video/still images are linked to specific customerinformation (name, address, etc.) in the user's customer database withthe information being displayed next to the video/still images (see,e.g., FIG. 5,—“ABC Packaging, 100. Apple Way, Reno Nev. . . . ”).

By way of further explanation, FIG. 5 includes a sample screenshot wherethe Chapter (still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor forthe end-user to review. The Chapters or images can be displayed insequential order based on Triggering Events resulting in a Chapter beingnotated on the continuous optical sensor recordings. Effectively, theend-user can view still images of customers' services in the sequentialorder in which the waste service route is being operated and performed.

Each discreet Chapter or image can contain one or more of the followinginformation items displayed in an Events to Review and Service EventsPortal and Display with one or more of the qualifying Naming Conventions(drop down menus for end-users) allowing the end-user to select by avariety of options to review Chapters or images associated with servicerelated and non-service related activities:

(a) Use Case being reviewed,

(b) User Waste Service Company Name,

(c) User Waste Service Site ID, Business Unit

(d) User Truck/Vehicle ID

(e) User Customer Name,

(f) User Customer Address,

(g) User Customer Service Levels,

(h) User Line of Business (commercial, residential, industrial),

(i) User Sub-Line of Business (MSW, recycling, organics),

(j) User Route ID,

(k) User Customer Account Number,

(l) User Designation of Municipal Franchise or Open Market,

(m) User Service Date; and,

(n) User Service Time.

The Source Data for the Event to Review is depicted in FIG. 6 andresults from pulling information from the Optical Sensors, OBC, DVR,other Mapping & Geo-Coding features, Routing & Logistics systems and/orCustomer information and User's System.

Also, multiple user vehicle mounted optical sensors can be used tocapture video and still image Chapters that associated with specificscenarios or “Use Cases” and related software functionality, user camerainterface and user customers. The functionality of the process includes,but is not limited to the following:

(a) Videos and still images Chapters are automatically available andassociated by Triggering Events (e.g. vehicle movement, servicing orattempting service, engaging arm, tipper, hopper, etc. at commercial,residential and industrial stops;

(b) Video and still image Chapters either viewed in real-time or latertime and date for user defined Use Cases and related service andcustomer audits;

(c) Ability to view actual user customer information including CustomerID, Customer Name, Service Address, Business Unit, Company Code, TruckID, Route ID, Service Levels and Franchise Name associated with eachvideo and still image Chapters on a display screen (e.g., Events toReview);

(d) Ability to view time-stamp and date stamp with each video and stillimage Chapters on a display screen (e.g., Events to Review) and suchother portals within a user system;

(e) Ability to generate still images Chapters within 6′-8′ in front of acommercial waste bin prior to service or such other distances, anglesand viewpoints as defined by the end-user;

(f) Ability to generate still image Chapters 6′-8′ adjacent to aresidential cart prior to service or such other distances, angles andviewpoints as defined by the end-user;

(g) Ability to generate still image Chapters with a full view of allcontainers, extra pickups and bulky pickups being serviced atresidential stops, multi-family stops, commercial stops and industrialstops;

(h) Ability to generate still image Chapters with a full view of theroll-off containers being serviced at industrial stops;

(i) Ability to generate still image Chapters of all containerdeliveries, swaps and removals at commercial, residential and industrialcustomers;

(j) Ability to capture up to 60 seconds of video Chapters of sourcesseparated organics and recycling being deposited into the vehicles'hopper; and

(k) Ability to capture up to 60 seconds of video Chapters associatedwith all activities at the customers' service address.

Also, multiple user vehicle mounted optical sensors can be used tocapture video and still images that are available for view and auditingin the display screen (e.g., Events to Review Screen, Service EventsScreen, Advanced Reports) and such other portals and screens within thesystem as defined by user.

Also, multiple user vehicle optical sensors can be used to capture videoand still images that, with limited driver interface with the OBC, DVRand user optical sensors, can capture one or more of the following:

(a) Not-Out: The ability to capture a still image and/or video of acustomer's container not being available for service or “Not-Out” andsend through the system to user-Customer Service, user operations and/oruser's Customer via US Mail, web address, email and text;

(b) HOC's: The ability to capture a still image and/or video of acustomer's container being unavailable for service due to the containerbeing locked, blocked, behind a locked gate, containing prohibitivewaste, etc. and send through the system to user-Customer Service,user-operations and/or user's-Customer via US Mail, web address, emailand text;

(c) Container/Bin Management: Residential, Commercial and Industrialcontainer bin deliveries, swaps and removals and send through the systemto user-Customer Service, user-operations and/or user's-Customer via USMail, web address, email and text;

(d) Pings: The ability to specifically ping a service location toestablish latitude/longitude and cross-reference against User'slatitude/longitude notation within User's routing and logistic system toverify and notate service location and bin or container location; and,

(e) Other limited driver interface as defined by User.

Also, multiple user vehicle mounted optical sensors can be used tocapture video and still images that are available for Customer Service,Operations, Dispatchers and such other user designees to view a livevideo feed when there is a potential service issue and address the issuewith the driver and customer, as needed.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the system and method provides fora variety of pre-defined Use Cases by Line of Business (Commercial,Residential and Industrial) resulting in the end-user being able toreview videos and still images, identify, tag (with a red box or othertagging means) and submit to Advanced Reports or such other reportingmethods instances relating to one or more of the following occurrencesdescribed in FIGS. 7-9.

Management and auditing of Use Cases are more fully explainedhereinbelow (such explanations are not all inclusive).

FIG. 10, Picture A includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Overloaded Container”. Picture Bin FIG. 10 depicts the determination by the end-user that thecontainer/bin is overloaded. As a result, the image is tagged resultingin a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeterof the image. For example, selecting the image for Overloaded Containerresults a highlighted “Red Box” with the image being sent to reportCommercial overages. After reviewing images associated with a Use Case,the end-user “Submits” the image for action to include charging thecustomer for the overage, notifying the customer of the overage througha proactive warning and notification process and noting the overageincident on the customer's account.

FIG. 11, Picture A includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Open Lid”. Picture B in FIG. 11depicts the determination by the end-user that the commercialcontainer/bin lid is “Open”. As a result, the image is tagged resultingin a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeterof the image. For example, proactive notice can be provided to Customerto close lids and charge a fee in jurisdictions allowing open lid feesto eliminate blight, illegal dumping and collection of water incommercial bins. After reviewing images associated with a Use Case, theend-user “Submits” the image for action to include notifying and/orcharging the customer for an open lid and noting the open lid incidenton the customer's account.

FIG. 12, Picture A includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial PDA”. The absence of customerinformation results in an exception report being created as a suspectaccount for Billing to review. If FEL Bin service appears in CommercialPDA Audit, this might result from a driver operating an independent FELservice or a customer set-up error by the waste service company.

FIG. 13, Picture A includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Service Level Audit”. Picture B inFIG. 13 depicts the determination by the end-user that the customer isreceiving service inconsistent with the customer information associatedwith Picture A. As a result, the image is tagged resulting in ahighlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeter of theimage. Because of highlighting the image, Drop-Down Menus allow theend-user to select the size and quality of commercial containers bysub-LOB (MSW, Recycling or Organics) at the service address. Afterreviewing images associated with the Use Case, the end-user “Submits”the image for action to include notifying Billing and the Customer ofthe service level discrepancy resulting in either an additional chargeor refund.

FIG. 14, Picture A includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Damaged Containers”. Picture B inFIG. 14 depicts the determination by the end-user that the container isdamaged requiring repairs, swap or removal. As a result, the image istagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation)around the perimeter of the image. Because of highlighting the image,Drop-Down Menus allow the end-user to select the container sub-LOB (MSW,Recycling, Organics) and noted damage including, but not limited to,broken lid, broken wheel/caster, sleeve damage, bottom rusted/leaking,graffiti, needs stickering, etc. After reviewing images associated withthe Use Case, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to includenotifying Operations and the Customer of the need for container repairscheduling.

FIG. 15, Picture A includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Franchise Requirements”. Picture Bin FIG. 15 depicts the determination by the end-user that the containerdoes not meet certain franchise requirements. As a result, the image istagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation)around the perimeter of the image. Because of highlighting the image,Drop-Down Menus allow the end-user to select the franchise requirementdeficiencies including, but not limited to, signage/stickers, Citydesignation, notices, container yardage, waste service company name andtelephone number, etc. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to include notifyingOperations of the need to comply with franchise and regulatoryrequirements.

The images in FIG. 16 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Proactive Commercial CustomerNotifications”. The images in FIG. 16 depict the determination by theend-user that the customer service address has service related issuesassociated with open lids, litter, overages and blocked container. As aresult, the image is tagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (orother designation) around the perimeter of the image. Because ofhighlighting the image, Drop-Down Menus allow the end-user to select theProactive Customer Notifications. After reviewing images associated withthe Use Case, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to includenotifying the customer of the need to comply with waste servicecompany's service requirements.

The images in FIG. 17 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Proactive Commercial Driver/OpsNotifications”. The images in FIG. 17 depict the determination by theend-user that the customer service address has service failure relatedissues associated with the driver failing to close lids, closeenclosures, little/blight, etc. As a result, the image is taggedresulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around theperimeter of the image. Because of highlighting the image, Drop-DownMenus allow the end-user to select the Proactive Driver/OpsNotifications. After reviewing images associated with the Use Case, theend-user “Submits” the image for action to include notifying Operationsof the need for the driver to comply with waste company's servicerequirements. The issue is designated with the driver, and an operationsreport is created and sent to the district for purposes of future drivercoaching.

The images in FIG. 18 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Commercial Contamination of Recycling andOrganics”. After reviewing a certain length (in this case, 16 seconds)of video image in Video A-Hopper Camera Video Image, FIG. 18 depicts thedetermination by the end-user that the commercial customer has eithercontaminated its organics bin or recycling bin with prohibited waste.Picture B-Front Camera Still Image depicts the customer's service binprior to service. As a result, the video and still image are taggedresulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around theperimeter of the images. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the video and still image for action toinclude notifying Operations, Billing and the Customer to reducecontamination and ensure compliance with waste company's servicerequirements.

The images in FIG. 19 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Commercial Open-Market Sales Opportunity”.After reviewing 30-60 seconds of video image from the Front Cameradepicted in Picture A, FIG. 19 depicts the determination by the end-userthat there are open market sales opportunities and competitor containerswithin the waste company's service area and routes. As a result, thevideo and still image are tagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box”(or other designation) around the perimeter of the images. Afterreviewing images associated with the Use Case, the end-user “Submits”the video and still image for action to include notifying Sales andOperations to attract additional customers within the waste company'sservice area resulting in improved density and routing efficiencies.

The images in FIG. 20 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Commercial Franchise Infringement(Poaching)”. After reviewing 30-60 seconds of video image from the FrontCamera depicted in Picture A, FIG. 20 depicts the determination by theend-user that there are franchise violations and encroachment bycompetitors unauthorized to provide waste services within the municipalfranchise system. As a result, the video and still image are taggedresulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around theperimeter of the images. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the video and still image for action toinclude notifying Operations, Sales and Legal to abate competitorfranchise infringement.

The images in FIG. 21 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Commercial Ancillary Fee Audit”. Afterreviewing some length (in this case, 30-60 seconds) of video image fromthe Front Camera depicted in Picture A, FIG. 21 depicts thedetermination by the end-user that there are ancillary services beingprovided to the waste company's customers without the customer beingcharged for ancillary services. As a result, the video and still imageare tagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation)around the perimeter of the images. After reviewing images associatedwith the Use Case, the end-user “Submits” the video and still image foraction to include notifying Billing and the Customer resulting in eitheran additional charge or refund.

The image in FIG. 22 is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Dangerous Stops”. After reviewingsome length (in this case, 30-60 seconds) of video image from the FrontCamera depicted in Video A, FIG. 22, depicts the determination by theend-user that there exist dangerous conditions within the customer'sservice location including, but not limited to: unsafe enclosures, lowoverhead wires, hard to service, unsafe backing, unsafe bin placement,etc. As a result, the video and still image are tagged resulting in ahighlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeter of theimages. After reviewing images associated with the Use Case, theend-user “Submits” the video and still image for action to includenotifying Sales, Operations and the Customer to ensure the unsafe stopis corrected. Operations and Sales can work together to find saferservicing solutions regarding enclosures, overhead wires, hard toservice, backing, bin placement, etc.

The image in FIG. 23 is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Property Damage”. After reviewingsome length (in this case, 30-60 seconds) of video image from the FrontCamera depicted in Video A, FIG. 23 depicts the determination by theend-user that there servicing of the customer's bin/container resultedin property damage. As a result, the video and still image are taggedresulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around theperimeter of the images. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the video and still image for action toinclude notifying Operations, Safety, Risk Management and the Customerto ensure the property damage is corrected as well as determiningcausation on property damage claims.

The image in FIG. 24 is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “HOC-Haul or Call (Container Unserviceable)”.The HOC Use Case is initiated by waste vehicle driver because thecontainer/bin deemed unserviceable. Thereafter, the end-user reviewssome length (in this case, 30-60 seconds) of video image from the FrontCamera depicted in Video A, FIG. 24 and confirms the determination thatthe container/bin is unserviceable. As a result, the video and stillimage are tagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or otherdesignation) around the perimeter of the images. After reviewing imagesassociated with the Use Case, the end-user “Submits” the video and stillimage for action to include notifying Operations, Customer Service andthe Customer to ensure the issues associated with the container/binbeing unserviceable is corrected.

The image in FIG. 25 is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Service Confirmation-DriverInitiated”. The Service Confirmation is initiated by waste vehicledriver pursuant to a service confirmation request. Thereafter, theService Confirmation (including a still image and/or video) is sent toCustomer Service, Operations and the Customer via email and text. Theimage and/or video can be captured with Lat/Lon and CustomerInformation, and email and/or text can be sent to Customer Service,Dispatch, and the District to designate issue with Driver/Ops. A Reportcan be created and sent to the District for DMs/RMs to coach the driver.

The image in FIG. 26 is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Bin Delivery-New Customer”. TheBin Delivery is initiated by bin delivery driver by selecting a buttonon the OBC and DVR with the bin delivery confirmation (including stillimage and/or video) being sent to Customer Service, Operations and theCustomer via email and text. Additionally, the bin delivery driverestablishes a verified service address through latitude/longitude byconfirming delivery through the OBC and DVR.

The image in FIG. 27 is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Commercial Bin Delivery-Existing Customer”.The Bin Delivery, Swap, Repair and/or Removal is initiated by bindelivery driver by selecting a button on the OBC and DVR with the bindelivery/swap/repair/removal confirmation being sent to CustomerService, Operations and the Customer via email and text. Additionally,the bin delivery driver establishes a verified service address throughlatitude/longitude by confirming delivery through the OBC and DVR.

FIG. 28, Picture A is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Residential Overloaded Container”. Picture Bin FIG. 28 depicts the determination by the end-user that thecontainer/bin is overloaded. As a result, the image is tagged resultingin a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeterof the image. A selected image based on Overloaded status results in a“Red” Box and a Report being sent for Residential Overage. Depending onthe franchise, customer may also be sent a warning and/or charge. AllResidential Overloaded Containers can be viewed from, e.g., the MSWRoute Right Side Camera. After reviewing images associated with a UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to include chargingthe customer for the overage, notifying the customer of the overagethrough a proactive warning and notification process and noting theoverage incident on the customer's account.

FIG. 29, Picture A is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Residential Parcel Data Audit”. The absenceof customer information results in an exception report being created asa suspect account for Billing to review further. If Residentialcontainer service appears in the Residential Parcel Data Audit, thismight result from a homeowner purchasing a home with a waste containerin the garage and failed to contact the waste service company to set upservice. Unfortunately, the homeowner may have acquired a containerimproperly or a customer was improperly setup for service by the wasteservice company resulting in insufficient routing information.Residential Parcel Data Audits can be performed on a daily basis with aReport sent to Billing to determine if the Customer is in Mid AmericaSystem. If not, the Customer is sent a notice and added to Billing andRouting. This eliminates the need for Corporate sponsored Parcel DataAudits and field audits by Pricing, Public Sector Solutions, Ops andother 3rd Parties used to accomplish Parcel Data Audits.

FIG. 30, Picture A is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Residential Service Level Audit”. Picture Bin FIG. 30 depicts the determination by the end-user that the customeris receiving service inconsistent with the customer informationassociated with Picture A. As a result, the image is tagged resulting ina highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeter ofthe image. Because of highlighting the image, Drop-Down Menus allow theend-user to select the size and quality of commercial containers bysub-LOB (MSW, Recycling, Green Waste) at the service address. Afterreviewing images associated with the Use Case, the end-user “Submits”the image for action to include notifying Billing and the Customer ofthe service level discrepancy resulting in either an additional chargeor refund.

FIG. 31, Picture A is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Residential Open Lid”. Picture B in FIG. 31depicts the determination by the end-user that the residential containerlid is “Open”. As a result, the image is tagged resulting in ahighlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeter of theimage. After reviewing images associated with a Use Case, the end-user“Submits” the image for action to include notifying and/or charging thecustomer for an open lid and noting the open lid incident on thecustomer's account. Selection based on Open Lid results in a “Red” Boxand a Report being sent for Residential Open Lid and either a charge ornotification. Open Lids contribute to increased disposal cost, litterand other service issues.

FIG. 32, Picture A is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Residential Damaged Containers”. Picture B inFIG. 32 depicts the determination by the end-user that the container isdamaged requiring repairs, swap or removal. As a result, the image istagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation)around the perimeter of the image. Because of highlighting the image,Drop-Down Menus allow the end-user to select the container sub-LOB (MSW,Recycling, Green Waste) and noted damage including, but not limited to,broken lid, broken wheel(s), body damage, space bar, graffiti, needsstickering, etc. After reviewing images associated with the Use Case,the end-user “Submits” the image for action to include notifyingOperations and the Customer of the need for container repair scheduling.

FIG. 33, Picture A is a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Residential Franchise Requirements”. PictureB in FIG. 33 depicts the determination by the end-user that thecontainer does not meet certain franchise requirements. As a result, theimage is tagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or otherdesignation) around the perimeter of the image. Because of highlightingthe image, Drop-Down Menus allow the end-user to select the franchiserequirement deficiencies including, but not limited to, signage (e.g.,residential), city designation, notices, container color, waste servicecompany name and telephone number, permissible items allowed in SS andGreen Waste Services, etc. After reviewing images associated with theUse Case, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to includenotifying Operations of the need to comply with franchise and regulatoryrequirements.

FIG. 34, Pictures A and B are sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Extra Bags-Extra Service”.FIG. 34 depicts the determination by the end-user that the residentialcustomer is setting out Extra Bags or receiving Extra Service eitherthrough a municipal franchise system or through subscription service.Whether the service is at no charge, the customer is allowed “X-numberof bags per calendar year or the customer is charged per bag, the extrabags-extra service is tracked. As a result, the image is taggedresulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around theperimeter of the image. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to include notifyingBilling and the Customer of the Extra Bags-Extra Service. Thiseliminates tagging requirements and the need to send coupons toCustomers.

The images in FIG. 35 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Proactive CustomerNotification”. The images in FIG. 35 depict the determination by theend-user that the customer service address has service related issuesassociated with open lids, container spacing, overloaded container,contamination, trash outside the bin, face front of container away frombin, street parking on the day of service, etc. As a result, the imagescan be tagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or otherdesignation) around the perimeter of the image. Because of highlightingthe image, Drop-Down Menus allow the end-user to select the ProactiveCustomer Notifications. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to include notifyingthe customer of the need to comply with waste service company's servicerequirements.

The images in FIG. 36 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Proactive Residential Driver/OpsNotifications”. The images in FIG. 36 depict the determination by theend-user that the customer service address has service failure relatedissues associated with the driver failing to leave container upright,litter, open lid after service, carts askew, etc. As a result, the imagecan be tagged resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or otherdesignation) around the perimeter of the image. Because of highlightingthe image, Drop-Down Menus allow the end-user to select the ProactiveDriver/Ops Notifications. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the image for action to include notifyingOperations of the need for the driver to comply with waste company'sservice requirements.

The image in FIG. 37 includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Service Confirmation-DriverInitiated”. The Service Confirmation is initiated by waste vehicledriver pursuant to a service confirmation request. Thereafter, theService Confirmation is sent to Customer Service, Operations and theCustomer via email and text. As noted in the earlier filing, the imageis date and time stamped verifying the date and time of the serviceconfirmation.

The image in FIG. 38 includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential NOT-OUT-Driver Initiated”. Thedriver, upon arriving at a residential service address, determines thecontainer is Not-Out and unavailable for service. The driver selects theNot-Out button on the OBC and DVR resulting in a Chapter or still image.The Not-Out image is sent to Customer Service, Operations and theCustomer via email and text. As noted in the earlier filing, the imageis date and time stamped verifying the date and time of attemptedservice. This can eliminate the ongoing debate of whether or not theResidential Container was “OUT” or “NOT OUT.” Images are captured inreal-time and sent to Customer Service.

The image in FIG. 39 includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Container Delivery-NewCustomer”. The Container Delivery is initiated by container deliverydriver by selecting a button on the OBC and DVR with the containerdelivery confirmation (including a still image and/or video) being sentto Customer Service, Operations and the Customer via email and text.Deliveries are captured in real time. Additionally, the containerdelivery driver establishes a verified service address throughlatitude/longitude by confirming delivery through the OBC and DVR.

The image in FIG. 40 includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Container Delivery-ExistingCustomer”. The Container Delivery, Swap, Repair and/or Removal isinitiated by container delivery driver by selecting a button on the OBCand DVR with the container delivery/swap/repair/removal confirmation(including a still image and/or video) being sent to Customer Service,Operations and the Customer via email and text. Additionally, thecontainer delivery driver reestablishes a verified service addressthrough latitude/longitude by confirming delivery through the OBC andDVR. Swaps, repairs, and removals are captured in real-time with imagesent to the Customer, Customer Service and Operations.

FIG. 41 includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter (stillimage/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-user toreview under the Use Case “Residential Bulky Collection (Flatbeds & RearLoaders)”. FIG. 41 depicts the determination by the end-user that theresidential customer is receiving Bulky Collection service eitherthrough a municipal franchise system or through subscription service.Whether the service is at no charge, the customer is allowed “X-numberof yards, bags, appliances and/or other Bulky Waste”, the Bulky Waste istracked. As a result, the image is tagged resulting in a highlighted“red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeter of the image.After reviewing images associated with the Use Case, the end-user“Submits” the image for action to include notifying Billing and theCustomer of the Bulky Pick-Up. Bulky collections are captured inreal-time with items and quantity being recorded for allotment, overagesand additional charge.

The image in FIG. 42 includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Contamination of Single StreamRecycling and Organics”. After reviewing some length (in this case, 16seconds) of video image in Video A-Hopper Camera Video Image, FIG. 42depicts the determination by the end-user that the residential customerhas either contaminated its single stream recycling container ororganics container with prohibited waste. A Front Camera Still Imagedepicts the customer's service container prior to service. As a result,the video and still image can be tagged resulting in a highlighted“red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeter of the images.After reviewing images associated with the Use Case, the end-user“Submits” the video and still image for action to include notifyingOperations, Billing and the Customer to reduce contamination and ensurecompliance with waste company's service requirements.

The image in FIG. 43 includes a sample screenshot where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Ancillary Fee Audit”. Afterreviewing some length (in this case, 30-60 seconds) of video image fromthe Front Camera depicted in Video A, FIG. 43 depicts the determinationby the end-user that there are ancillary services being provided to thewaste company's customers without the customer being charged forancillary services. As a result, the video and still image can be taggedresulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around theperimeter of the images. After reviewing images associated with the UseCase, the end-user “Submits” the video and still image for action toinclude notifying Billing and the Customer resulting in either anadditional charge or refund.

The images in FIG. 44 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Dangerous Stops”. Afterreviewing some length (in this case, 30-60 seconds) of video image fromthe Front Camera depicted in Video A, FIG. 44 depicts the determinationby the end-user that there exist dangerous conditions within thecustomer's service location. As a result, the video and still image aretagged (Video B) resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (or otherdesignation) around the perimeter of the images. After reviewing imagesassociated with the Use Case, the end-user “Submits” the video and stillimage for action to include notifying Sales, Operations and the Customerto ensure the unsafe stop is corrected.

The images in FIG. 45 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Residential Property Damage”. Afterreviewing some length (in this case, 30-60 seconds) of video image fromthe Front Camera depicted in Video A, FIG. 45 depicts the determinationby the end-user that there servicing of the residential customer'scontainer resulted in property damage. As a result, the video and stillimage are tagged (Video B) resulting in a highlighted “red-box” (orother designation) around the perimeter of the images. After reviewingimages associated with the Use Case, the end-user “Submits” the videoand still image for action to include notifying Operations, Safety, RiskManagement and the Customer to ensure the property damage is corrected.

The images in FIG. 46 include sample screenshots where the Chapter(still image/video or image) is displayed on a monitor for the end-userto review under the Use Case “Waste Service Fleet Soiled Windshields,Inoperable Wipers/Cameras”. During the process of reviewing Use Casesand otherwise managing the system in real-time, end-users are taskedwith ensuring optical sensors are capturing images unobstructed or theoptical sensors are operating unabated and continuously recordingimages. FIG. 46 depicts the determination by the end-user that there arevisual or mechanical obstructions resulting in poor quality recordings.As a result, the video and still image are tagged resulting in ahighlighted “red-box” (or other designation) around the perimeter of theimages. After reviewing images associated with the Use Case, theend-user “Submits” the video and still image for action to Operationsand Maintenance to ensure the video recording obstructions anddeficiencies are corrected. Images and videos are viewed on a regularbasis to ensure quality. Notice is sent to take action to cleanwindshields and camera lenses.

FIG. 47 depicts a report screen within Events to Review which provides aprocess to monitor unavailable images (video and still) under the UseCase “No Image-Heath Assessment and Real-Time Monitoring of Cameras”.During the daily startup process and throughout the servicing of wastecustomers, diagnostic efforts are continuously performed to ensureChapters are being created on the continuous video feed and images areavailable for review by the end-user. FIG. 47 depicts a report with thenotation for each Chapter, “Missing Picture”. As a result, Operationsand Maintenance are immediately notified to troubleshoot the deficiencyand take corrective action. Health Assessment is run on each OBC, DVRand Optical Sensor to ensure images are being captured and the System isoperational for each truck. Immediate action can be taken to ensureuptime is accomplished. Each District is likewise responsible forensuring the System is operational for each truck as well.

In certain illustrative embodiments, within the Events to Review processand management of Use-Cases facilitated by the end-user, FIG. 48 depictsthe flowchart-decision process for reviewing Chapters within the Eventsto Review portal. The process is followed for each Use-Case asdetermined by the waste service company in managing its servicerequirements and customer expectations.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the system and method provide anend-user and/or auditor with the ability to review videos and stillimages, identify, tag (with a red box or other tagging means) and submitto Advanced Reports or such other reporting methods. A sample of theAdvanced Reports are depicted in FIGS. 49-55, which are available forone or more of Operations, Billing, Customer Service, Sales, Safety,Risk Management and ultimately the Customer in the form of acommunication (including still images and/or video), proactivenotification and/or billing adjustment.

Below is a non-exhaustive listing tied to Use Cases, which are submittedand available in Advanced Reports with such instances relating to one ormore of the following occurrences and Use Cases:

(a) Commercial, Residential and Industrial waste services for usercustomer services;

(b) Overloaded waste containers in all lines of business (commercial,residential and industrial);

(c) Contamination of source separated containers (e.g., residentialgreen waste, residential single stream, commercial recycling andcommercial organics);

(d) Open Lids in all lines of business;

(e) Container spacing;

(f) Waste outside the container, bin and roll-off box;

(g) Proper container and bin placement;

(h) Prohibited and contaminated waste;

(i) Damaged containers (e.g. broken lids, broken wheels, sleeve damaged,bottom rusted out, graffiti, needs stickering, missing lids, crackcontainer, leaking container, etc.);

(j) Service Confirmations-Driver Initiated;

(k) HOC or Haul or Call-: Customer accounts, which are unserviceable dueto the container or bin being inaccessible, blocked, locked orcontaining prohibited waste (e.g. contamination, universal waste,electronics, etc.);

(l) Dangerous Stops or Hard to Service Stops;

(m) Property Damage;

(n) Bulky Pick-Up;

(o) Ancillary fee audit with ancillary services defined by User;

(p) Open market sales opportunities, for example, an incentive basedprogram where end-user drivers identify open market competitorcontainers within User's service area and captures images from theoptical sensors, OBC and DVR and submits images for sales to call onopportunities to convert to User.

(q) Competitors poaching or infringing on User's franchise businesswithin franchised municipal services;

(r) Bin Delivery, Swaps and Removals for New or Existing Customers;

(s) Service Level Audits including container size, number and servicefrequency;

(t) Determination of services being provided to non-User customers;

(u) Franchise Requirements (Signage, City Designations, Notices, Etc.);

(v) Proactive Customer Notifications as defined by User;

(w) Proactive Driver Notifications as defined by User; and

(x) Such other Use Cases as defined by User.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the system and method provide auser and/or auditor with the ability to operate OBUs, DVRs and userCameras related to one or more of the following functions:

(a) Soiled Windshields/Inoperable Wipers/Camera Position;

(b) Defective Triggering Events (proximity switches and other mechanicaldevices);

(c) No Camera image available;

(d) Pre-defined Heath Assessment Reports related to User's use of theOBU, DVR and User cameras; and

(e) Such other diagnostic capabilities to ensure continuous operationand use of the system and method.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the system and method provide anend-user with the ability to capture video and still images of serviceevents as described above and send videos and still images to CustomerServices, Operations, Dispatch, such other User designees and tocustomers directly via US Mail, web-address, email and text.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method is provided of managingservice and non-service related activities associated with a wastecollection, disposal and/or recycling vehicle (see FIG. 56). Forexample, OBC and DVR can be activated (including GPS) for continuouslymonitoring and recording of a waste vehicle. OBC and DVR can beactivated upon start-up of the waste vehicle. Routing and customer datacan be prepopulated and/or loaded in the OBU. A system health assessmentcan be generated to ensure operability, e.g., optical sensors, OBU andDVR operating. The optical Sensors can be activated and begincontinuously recording video onto the OBC and DVR. The waste driver canbegin his route. One or more chapters can be created on the recordingsbased on automated Triggering Events. The Triggering Event may include,for example, arm lift, hopper activation, etc. One or more Chapters canalso be created on the recordings based on driver initiated eventsand/or on external signals. The Chapters can be converted to discreetimages (video and still) within the recording and loaded onto a viewingportal designated for events to review. One or more discreet images thatare assigned to (i) a latitude/longitude and/or (ii) user customerinformation assigned to a latitude/longitude can be matched andverified. One or more videos and still images can be transferred to theviewing portal. The images can for example, be in sequential orderand/or have a date and time stamp. Within the viewing portal, the enduser can select from various drop-down matters relating to the subjectmatter of videos and still images. For example, the drop-down menus canbegin with or include User Name, District/BU and/or Use Case.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system is provided for managingservice and nonservice activities in connection with waste collection,disposal and/or recycling. For example, the system can include a wastevehicle equipped with an onboard board computer (OBC) and digital videorecorder (DVR). The waste vehicle can also be equipped with one or moreoptical sensors. The vehicle can be configured to provide triangulationof customer location for commercial, residential and industrialcollections using an OBC linked to GPS, an on-board DVR linked to GPSand other off-the-shelf mapping geo-coding applications to establishlatitude/longitude for each customer container, bin, cart and box. Oneor more optical sensors can be configured to capture continuous videorecordings from the time the waste collection truck driver commences theDOT pre-trip inspection at the facility location until the collectionwaste truck driver returns to the facility location and performs the DOTpost-trip inspection. One or more optical sensors can also be configuredto the user's OBC, DVR and back office hardware and software system(“System”). One or more optical sensors, while configured to the OBC,DVR & System, can also be configured to a signal or signals emanatingfrom electronic or mechanical devices on the truck which can include,but is not limited to, proximity switches, limit switches, mechanicalsensors, electronic control module (ECM), programmable logic computer(PLC), arms, hoppers and/or blades and such other vehicle devices(hereinafter referred to as “Devices”). One or more optical sensors,while configured to the OBC, DVR & System, can also be configured todetect vehicle movement including acceleration, deceleration, g-force,stopping and starting (hereinafter referred to as “Vehicle Movement”).One or more optical sensors, while configured to the OBC, DVR & System,can also be configured to detect a driver initiated triggering event(hereinafter referred to as “Driver Initiated Event”). One or moreoptical sensors, while configured to the OBC, DVR & System, can also beconfigured to detect a vehicle initiated triggering event that isexternal or outside of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “ExternalInitiated Event”). One or more of the Devices, Vehicle Movement, DriverInitiated Event, and External Initiated Event (hereinafter referred toas “Triggering Events”) can be configured to the OBC and DVR and cancause a Chapter to be captured on the continuous video recordingresulting in a Still Image or up to 60 second Video Clip that isassigned to one or more optical sensors. The Chapters can be configuredto associate with a viewing portal for review and can be made availablein sequential order based on Date, Time and Truck ID.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method is provided that involvesthe use and analysis of one or more of Company information and Customerinformation. The Company information can include, but is not limited to,Business Unit/Site, Truck ID, Company Code and Route ID, and can bedownloaded into the OBC. The Customer locations can include locations ofthe container/bin/cart/box, and can be assigned a latitude/longitude anddownloaded into the OBC. The OBC can contain Customer informationincluding, but not limited to Customer ID, Customer name, Customeraddress, Customer service levels, Franchise name/Open Market with theCustomer information likewise link to the Customer location. The OBC canalso contain service requirements assigned to the Customer and wastecollection municipal franchise system. Resulting Chapters can be createdfrom the continuous video recording through Triggering Events which arelinked/connected to the Company and Customer with each Chaptercontaining Customer Name, Customer Address, Service Level, Sub-Line ofBusiness, Route ID, Customer Account Number, Franchise Name/Open Market,Service Time and Service Date.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method of viewing Companyinformation, Customer information and Chapter developed from TriggeringEvents through the Optical Sensor(s) stored on the OBC and DVR within anEvent to Review Portal or Display is provided. A visual display of theStill Image and/or up to 60-second Video Clip can be loaded into theEvents to Review Portal and viewable by Use Case and then Business Unitand Truck ID. A visual display can be provided of the Still Image and/orup to 60-second Video Clip with Customer Name, Customer Address, ServiceLevel, Sub-Line of Business, Route ID, Customer Account Number,Franchise Name/Open Market, Service Time and Service Date below theStill Image and/or Video Clip. The end-user can select an Image alignedto a Use-Case resulting in a red-box highlighting the Image. Theend-user can also send the Image via web-address, email and/or text tothe User's various departments (e.g. Customer Service, Billing,Operations, etc.) and to the Customer. The end-user can also Submit thehighlighted image to an Advance Report module for use by the Company.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method of reviewing Use Casesresulting from Chapters and such other waste service activities andnonservice activities outside of the waste servicing collection vehicleis provided. One or more Use-Cases can be selected from the Events toReview portal. A user can determine if the Images meet the criteriaunder each of the Use-Cases. The selected Chapter can then be submittedfor further review within Advanced Reports.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for viewing AdvancedReports and such other Reports resulting from Images from TriggeringEvents being Submitted from the Events to Review Portal is provided. Theend-user can select a series of selected Images from the Events toReview Portal. The selected Images can be made available for furtherreview in the Advanced Reporting screen. The selected Images in theAdvanced Reporting screen can be sent to Customer Service, Billing andOperations. The selected Images in the Advanced Reporting screen canalso be sent to Customers via US Mail, web-address, email and/or text.

Consideration of Use Cases in management of collection waste servicesmay be categorized or bundled as follows (See FIG. 57) with someUse-Cases spanning multiple categories/bundles as set forth in thefollowing categories:

(a) Accuracy in Billing the Customer: A critical component of providingwaste services to residential and commercial customers is accuracy inthe customer's statement. The system and method of recording servicerelated and non-service related activities outside of the wastecollection vehicle allows the end-user to include but not limited to:(i) determine if the waste container or bin is overloaded resulting inthe customer receiving additional service beyond the capacity of thecontainer or bin; (ii) determine if the container or bin size, quantityand/or frequency of service is inconsistent with the Customerinformation in User's system; (iii) determine if the Customer isreceiving ancillary services and not being charged or being charged forancillary services with the same not being provided; (iv) determine ifan address is receiving waste collection services and the owner ortenant is not set-up correctly or not being charged in the User'ssystem; and (v) accurately charge for Bulky Pick-ups and ExtraBags/Extra Service.

(b) Management and Education of Customers Regarding ServiceRequirements: An obligation of the waste service provider is to manageand educate the residential and commercial customer of the wastecollection company's service requirements as well as requirements undera municipal franchise system and/or regulatory authority. The system andmethod of recording service related and non-service related activitiesoutside of the waste collection vehicle allows the end-user to includebut not limited to: (i) educate the customer on contamination ofrecycling and organics including highlighting prohibited items in thecontainer or bin; (ii) educate the customer on closing the container orbin lid to reduce capturing of precipitation, to reduce litter/blight,to reduce unauthorized dumping or use; and, to reduce animals and verminfrom intruding the container or bin; (iii) educate the customers on thedangers and hardships associated with overloading a container or bin;and (iv) educate the customer on proper and safe container placement andlocation as well as the impact of obstructing container or bin access;

(c) Improve Employee and Public Safety: An obligation of the wasteservice provider is to provide a safe working environment for itsemployees and its Customers. The system and method of recording servicerelated and non-service related activities outside of the wastecollection vehicle allows the end-user to include but not limited to:(i) improve safety and protects its employees and equipment by reducingoverloaded containers, which damage equipment, cause collection vehiclefires, cause other property damage from falling debris and otherwiseputs its employees at risk; (ii) improve safety by identifying andabating dangerous stops and hard to service accounts, which result invehicle accidents and employee injuries; (iii) improve safety for ourMaterial Recovery Facility (MRF) employees by reducing contamination inthe recycling and organics streams and ultimately MRF sort lines managedand staffed by its employees; (iv) improve safety and reduce vehicleaccidents by having safe access to containers and bins; and (v) improvesafety by identifying and correcting damaged containers and bins atCustomer's service location.

(d) Improved Customer Service: The cornerstone of a successful wastecollection provider is providing excellent customer service. The systemand method of recording service related and non-service relatedactivities outside of the waste collection vehicle allows the end-userto include but not limited to: (i) proactively notify the customer ofwaste collection service requirements to ensure safe and efficient wastecollection; (ii) proactively notify operations and its driver of thedriver's service deficiencies on-route; (iii) demonstrate a container isblocked or unavailable for service and assist the Customer in efforts toreceive timely service; (iv) reduce litter/blight, unauthorized use ofthe customer's bin or container; (iv) demonstrate the Customer'scontainer or bins was “Not-Out” and eliminate disputes between theCustomer and Customer Service; (v) educate the Customer on properrecycling and management of waste in each of the containers or bins; and(vi) proactively remove or repair damaged and/or leaking containers andbins.

(e) Operational Improvements: Operational improvements result in moreefficient waste collection services and ultimately improved earnings,safety and employee morale. The system and method of recording servicerelated and non-service related activities outside of the wastecollection vehicle allows the end-user to include but not limited to:(i) ensure competitors or unauthorized waste collectors are notinfringing on waste collectors exclusive franchise within a municipalfranchise system resulting in increased revenue, route density andprofitability; (ii) prospect open market sales opportunities within thewaste collector's service area resulting in increased revenue, routedensity and profitability; (ii) reduce overloaded containers resultingin less equipment damage, employee injuries and time off-route; (iii)reduce contamination resulting lower disposal cost at MRFs, higherrecovery of commodities, lower MRF equipment maintenance and damage;and, reduced employee injuries from exposure to contaminated recycling;(iv) improved route efficiencies by servicing readily accessiblecontainers and bins; and (v) supporting frontline employees by holdingCustomer to waste collector's service requirements.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that portions of the subjectmatter disclosed herein may be embodied as a method, data processingsystem, or computer program product. Accordingly, these portions of thesubject matter disclosed herein may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodimentcombining software and hardware. Furthermore, portions of the subjectmatter disclosed herein may be a computer program product on acomputer-usable storage medium having computer readable program code onthe medium. Any suitable computer readable medium may be utilizedincluding hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or other storagedevices. Further, the subject matter described herein may be embodied assystems, methods, devices, or components. Accordingly, embodiments may,for example, take the form of hardware, software or any combinationthereof, and/or may exist as part of an overall system architecturewithin which the software will exist. The present detailed descriptionis, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiment(s) described above and illustrated herein, but encompassesany and all variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for managing service activitiesperformed by a waste service vehicle, the system comprising: an opticalsensor disposed on-board the waste service vehicle and configured tocapture a continuous video recording of an area outside of the cab ofthe waste service vehicle, wherein the continuous video recording iscaptured during the entirety of a service operations period for thewaste service vehicle; a recording device disposed on-board the wasteservicing vehicle and configured to store the continuous video recordingfrom the optical sensor; a computing device disposed on-board the wasteservice vehicle and configured to identify a physical location of awaste service customer; and a central computing device that is noton-board the waste service vehicle and is operatively linked to theoptical sensor, recording device and computing device; wherein, upon theoccurrence of a pre-defined triggering event, the central computingdevice is configured to capture a chapter from the continuous videorecording, and the central computing device is configured to display thechapter on an electronic viewing portal in association with a visualindication of the physical location of the waste service customer andone or more of date, time, and an identification number for the wasteservice vehicle.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pre-definedtriggering event comprises one or more of: (i) a signal or signalsemanating from an electronic or mechanical device on the waste servicevehicle, wherein the electronic or mechanical device is one or more of aproximity switch, a limit switch, a mechanical sensor, an electroniccontrol module, a programmable logic computer, an arm, a hopper, a bladeor a waste service vehicle device; (ii) a movement of the waste servicevehicle, wherein the movement comprises acceleration, deceleration,g-force, stopping or starting; (iii) a driver initiated triggeringevent; and (iv) a triggering event that is initiated external to oroutside of the vehicle.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the serviceoperations period for the waste service vehicle begins when a drivercommences an inspection of the vehicle at a facility location prior toperforming one or more service activities, and ends when the driverperforms an inspection of the waste service vehicle after performing theone or more service activities.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thestep of identifying a physical location of a waste service customerduring the service operations period comprises identifying a locationfor one or more of commercial, residential or industrial collectionsusing a GPS linked to the onboard computer and to the on-board recordingdevice to establish latitude and/or longitude for one or more customerwaste containers.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the chapter that iscaptured from the continuous video recording comprises one or more of astill image or a video clip of 60 seconds or less.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the recording device on-board the waste servicingvehicle comprises a digital video recorder.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the on-board computer is configured to: (i) store downloadedwaste service company information comprising one or more of a wastesite, a business unit, a truck identification number, a company code anda route identification number; (ii) store downloaded customer locationinformation comprising latitude/longitude for one or more customerlocations including locations of the waste container; and (iii) storedownloaded customer identifying information comprising one or more of acustomer identification number, a customer name, a customer address, oneor more customer service levels, a franchise name, and a servicerequirement assigned to the customer and to a waste collection municipalfranchise system; and wherein the central computing device is configuredto: (i) link the customer identifying information to the customerlocation information, and (ii) link the chapters from the continuousvideo recording to one or more of the waste service company information,the customer identifying information, and the customer locationinformation.